Flexible carrier sheet for supporting and carrying such as returnable bottles and cans

ABSTRACT

A flexible carrier device for use in supporting, in portable and carryable fashion, a plurality of beverage containers such as returnable bottles, each of which further includes a narrowed and annular shaped neck proximate an end location of the container. The carrier device includes a substantially thin cross sectional, elongated and planar shape body exhibiting a first elongated aperture proximate an upper end and defining a carrying handle. A plurality of inwardly facing and annular shaped rim portions are defined through the sheet at further selected and spaced apart locations and define a second plurality of apertures. The narrowed and annular shaped neck of each beverage container is resistively engaged against a selected and inwardly facing rim portion in order to secure the container in fixed and extending fashion relative to the carrier device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/395,812, filed Jul. 15, 2002, and entitled Flexible Carrier Sheet for Supporting and Carrying Such as Returnable Bottles and Cans

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is a flexible carrier sheet device for use in supporting, in portable and carryable fashion, volumes of bottles and cans. In particular, the carrier sheet of the invention is useful in carrying returnable glass and plastic bottle containers, as well as typical 12 ounce returnable cans. The flexible carrier sheet of the present invention may further be modified, such as through the incorporation of perforated or removable portions, and in order to convert from a first condition for supporting a narrowed neck portion of such as a plastic bottle, to a second expanded condition for supporting an annular run associated with a 12 ounce returnable can.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] The prior art is well documented with various types of carrying devices for use in transporting bottles and cans, and in particular emptied and returnable bottles and cans. The objective in each instance is to provide an effective and easy to use carrying device for transporting such bottle and can returnables.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,012, issued to Galbierz, illustrates a paperboard carrier exhibiting a multi-sided and foldable blank incorporating a two ply top panel, side walls, and a bottom panel. Apertures are formed in the top and bottom panels and, upon folding the panels into the desired three dimensional shape, permits installation of a set of bottles for transport by the carrier. The apertures formed in the various panels of the foldable blank are intended to engage top and bottom locations of the installed bottles and the side panels are further disclosed as including multiple plies.

[0007] Additional examples of paperboard carriers include U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,936, issued to Bernstein, (bottle) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,321, issued to Fadus (can). Referring to FIG. 7 of Bernstein, a handle construction is illustrated associated with the paperboard bottle carrier, the carrier further including a multiple and foldable ply arrangement whereby the handle is pivotable relative to the associated and interconnected panels. In the case of Fadus, a paperboard carrier is disclosed for supporting a half-dozen can containers and teaches a biodegradable paperboard construction and which further does not illustrate a handle.

[0008] Finally, the Graser patents, U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,801 and Reissue Pat. No. 29,063, are further representative of the prior art and teach a returnable wrap around carrier and which includes the provision of a multi-sided panel device for completely enclosing a plurality of bottles or the like. A built-in handle is formed in the top panel of the carrier, as well as formed partly in the central interior partition within the carrier.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0009] The present invention discloses a flexible carrier sheet constructed of an elongated, substantially thin and planar shaped sheet of material, typically being a low density polyethylene (LDPE) or vinyl material, but not limited in any application to any one given material. The carrier sheet has an elongated aperture configured approximate its upper edge and corresponding to a carrying handle for providing portability to the device.

[0010] A plurality of apertures are defined at spaced apart intervals through the planar sheet of material. The apertures are preferably circular and correspond closely in dimension with, in one variant, the narrowed neck portion of a returnable plastic or glass, bottle. In a further variant, the apertures are sized somewhat larger and correspond to the general diameter of a 12 ounce returnable can. In either variant, the apertures are ideally intended to be sized to a diameter slightly less than that of the returnable can or bottle, and such that the returnable is adheringly engaged about the inwardly facing and annular rim defined in the sheet and surrounding the selected aperture.

[0011] A further preferred variant contemplates a plurality of annular shaped perforations defined in the planar shaped body, in encircling fashion about each of the inwardly facing and annular shaped rim portions. The perforated portions are further capable of being removable, in any given quantity, and to enlarge each associated and inwardly facing rim, from a first configuration for securing a bottle neck, to a second configuration for resistively engaging a narrowed annular rim associated with a returnable can.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible carrier sheet according to a first preferred variant of the present invention and for use with a plurality of conventional aluminum cans;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a side view of the flexible carrier sheet according to FIG. 1 and illustrating a conventional aluminum can in engaging contact with a selected aperture defined within the carrier sheet;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a flexible carrier sheet according to a second preferred variant of the present invention and for use with a plurality of conventional bottles;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a side view of the flexible carrier sheet according to FIG. 3 and illustrating a conventional bottle in engaging contact with a selected aperture defined within the carrier sheet;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a partial illustration of a portion of a flexible carrier sheet according to a yet further preferred variant and which illustrates a perforated and removable portion associated with a given bottle supporting aperture and for converting to a larger sized and can supporting aperture according to the present invention; and

[0018]FIG. 6 is an environmental view illustrating a pair of carrier sheets, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, respectively, in opposing and back-to-back carryable fashion according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, a flexible carrier device is illustrated at 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. As explained previously, the present invention provides a convenient and easily storable device which is particularly useful in supporting, in portable and carryable fashion, volumes of cans 12 and bottles 14. In particular, the carrier device of the invention is useful in carrying twelve ounce returnable cans 12, as well as returnable plastic (or glass) bottle containers 14.

[0020] As is further illustrated, each of the conventional beverage containers includes a body and a narrowed and annular shaped neck proximate an end location of the container. In the instance of the can 12, such is further defined by a narrowed annular rim 16 located proximate a top end face of the can 12. In the furthering instance of the bottles 14, a narrowed neck is illustrated for each at 18.

[0021] Referring again to FIG. 1, the flexible carrier device 10 illustrated in the first variant is for use in securing or carrying a plurality of returnable cans 12 and is constructed of an elongated, substantially thin and planar shaped sheet of material, and further typically exhibiting an overall rectangular configuration. The material content of the flexible carrier is typically a plasticized material and may further include, without limitation, such as a low density polyethylene (LDPE) or a vinyl. Although not limited to any specific value, it is also understood that the sheet thickness of the flexible carrier 10 can range from any suitable and desirable values, such as for example from 0.020″ of an inch upwards. It is further understood that the flexible carrier 10 is not limited to any degree of flexibility and can also include stiffer, and even rigid, constructions within the scope of the invention and provided the necessary properties of durability and resiliency are present and which, in use carrying a plurality of bottles or cans, will not cause the carrier 10 to tear or fail.

[0022] As previously explained, the flexible carrier device 10 is typically shaped in a substantially rectangular fashion as shown in FIG. 1 and with the understanding that this will maximize the available carrying surface for supporting bottles and cans. However, it is further understood that the carrier sheet forming the flexible carrier device 10 is not limited to any configuration and can be shaped in any desirable and alternating fashion such as to mimic any design outline.

[0023] Referring yet again to FIG. 1, a first elongated aperture is defined by a likewise elongated channel wall, illustrated at 20, and proximate an upper end location of the flexible carrier device. The handle 20 facilitates transport of the plurality of can containers 12 (and/or bottle containers 14 as will be further described) once they are applied to the carrier device 10 and as will now be explained.

[0024] Referring once again to FIG. 1, the carrier device 10 further includes rows of apertures, each defined by an inwardly facing and annular shaped rim and numbered at 22, 24, 26, et. seq. beginning along a top selected row and concluding at 28 and 30 at a lower most extending row. as illustrated, each of the apertures 22, 24, 26, et. seq., 28 and 30 exhibits a substantially annular shape. The flexible carrier device 10 is also illustrated in reduced length in FIG. 1 and it is further understood that the invention is not limited to any specific number and/or rows of apertures.

[0025] As illustrated, the apertures are preferably circular and correspond closely in dimension with, in the first variant, the narrowed neck portion of a returnable can 12. As is further illustrated in the side view illustration of FIG. 2, the associated and inwardly facing annular edges of the selected rim portion, see for example rim portion 22, is dimensioned in order to be slightly smaller in diameter and is flexed in the direction indicated in order to resistively engage about the recessed annular rim 16 associated with the can 12.

[0026] Additionally, and referring back again to FIG. 1, each of the inwardly facing and annular shaped rim portions further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart notches, see at 32, 34, 36, defined for each selected rim portion 22, 24, 26, respectively. The pluralities of notches 22. 24, 26, et. seq. are provided in any number (such as the four illustrated in association with each rim portion) and further facilitate the frictional engagement of the annular neck 16 of the can with the associated rim defined aperture.

[0027] Referring further to FIG. 3, an example of a flexible carrier device is illustrated at 38 according to a second preferred variant and by which a plurality of returnable bottles 14 are capable of being supported in likewise suspended fashion. In particular, the annular rims associated with the carrier device are illustrated at 40, 42, 44, et. seq. beginning along an upper most row of the carrier device, and terminating at 46, and 48 along a lower most or bottom row of annular rim portions.

[0028] As previously explained, it is understood and desired that the apertures are ideally intended to be sized to a diameter slightly less than that of the neck portion of the returnable bottle 14, and such that the bottle/returnable is adheringly engaged about the associated inwardly facing and annular rim (see further by example in FIG. 4 with annular rim 18 of selected bottle 14 in adhering contact with rim 40). It is further understood that, even though the sheet of material defining the carrier device is constructed of a flexible material, it is capable of supporting the plurality of bottles in a readily and easily transportable fashion and in further fact it is to the advantage of the user to fill all of the rows of apertures with bottles to even out the weight distribution and deflection along the carrier sheet. Also, and while the notches, illustrated at 32, 34, 36, et. seq. in relation to the can retaining rim portions, are not present in relation to the smaller diameter bottle retaining rims 40, 42, 44, et. seq., it is also understood that such a notched configuration could be employed, if desired, and further that other and suitable configurations can be incorporated into the rim retaining design of the carrier device.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 5, a partial illustration is given at 50 of a portion of a flexible carrier sheet according to a yet further preferred variant and which illustrates a perforated and removable portion, see at 52, associated with a modification 40′ of a given bottle supporting aperture. The purpose of the perforated portions is to facilitate converting a selected bottle rim portion (again for example at 40′) to a larger sized and can supporting aperture according to the present invention. In particular, a plurality of annular shaped perforations may be defined in the planar shaped body, in encircling fashion about each of the inwardly facing and annular shaped rim portions, e.g. again at 40′, for supporting bottle necks 18.

[0030] As indicated by the illustration of FIG. 5, the perforated portions are further capable of being removable, in any given quantity, and to enlarge each associated and inwardly facing rim 40′, from a first configuration for securing a bottle neck, to a second and larger sized configuration (matching that of the rims 22, 24, 26, et. seq. of the FIG. 1 variant) for resistively engaging a narrowed annular rim 16 associated with a returnable can 12. In this fashion, a single carrier device can be provided for supporting both bottles and cans (e.g. such as empty returnables) and any selected number of perforations can be removed to support and transport the returnables. As also again illustrated in FIG. 5, notches 54 may be defined along the circumferential extending perimeter of each of the perforations 52 and to facilitate gripping engagement of returnable cans 12.

[0031] Referring finally to FIG. 6, a pair of flexible carrier devices are illustrated at 10 and 38 according to the preferred variants and in opposing and supported fashion. In particular, it has been found that the bottle and can returnables are most effectively carried in such a manner and by which the bending forces which may otherwise be applied to a lone flexible device are instead counterbalanced against an opposing device (sheet). It is further envisioned that the carrier device may be produced in such inexpensive fashion as to be utilized as a disposable item in combination with the bottles and cans secured thereto; the bottles and cans are typically associated with returnable items which, under varying state laws, provide for the refund of money for the return of qualifying types of bottles and cans.

[0032] Having described my invention, additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A flexible carrier device for use in supporting, in portable and carryable fashion, a plurality of beverage containers, each of the beverage containers including a body and a narrowed and annular shaped neck proximate an end location of the container, said carrier device comprising: a substantially thin cross sectional, elongated and planar shape body; a first elongated aperture defined through said sheet, proximate an upper end, and defining a carrying handle; and a plurality of inwardly facing and annular shaped rim portions defined through said sheet at further selected and spaced apart locations and defining a second plurality of apertures; wherein the narrowed and annular shaped neck of each beverage container is resistively engaged against a selected and inwardly facing rim portion in order to secure the container in fixed and extending fashion relative to the carrier device.
 2. The carrier device as described in claim 1, further comprising said inwardly facing rim portions being configured to adheringly engage a narrowed neck associated with a returnable bottle.
 3. The carrier device as described in claim 1, further comprising said inwardly facing rim portions being configured to adheringly engage a narrowed annular rim associated with a returnable can.
 4. The carrier device as described in claim 1, each of said inwardly facing and annular shaped rim portions further comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart notches defined therealong.
 5. The carrier device as described in claim 2, further comprising a plurality of annular shaped perforations defined in said planar shaped body, in encircling fashion about each of said inwardly facing and annular shaped rim portions, and being removable to enlarge the inwardly facing rims to resistively engage a narrowed neck associated with a returnable can.
 6. The carrier device as described in claim 1, said carrier device exhibiting a specified shape and size and being constructed of a plasticized material including at least a low density polyethylene and a vinyl.
 7. The carrier device as described in claim 1, further comprising said carrier device exhibiting an overall rectangular configuration.
 8. A flexible carrier device for use in supporting, in portable and carryable fashion, a plurality of beverage containers, each of the beverage containers including a body and a narrowed and annular shaped neck proximate an end location of the container, said carrier device comprising: a substantially thin cross sectional, elongated and planar shape body; a first elongated aperture defined through said sheet, proximate an upper end, and defining a carrying handle; a plurality of inwardly facing and annular shaped rim portions defined through said sheet at further selected and spaced apart locations and defining a second plurality of apertures; and a plurality of annular shaped perforations defined in said planar shaped body, in encircling fashion about each of said inwardly facing and annular shaped run portions, and being removable to enlarge the inwardly facing rims from a first configuration to a second configuration; wherein the narrowed and annular shaped neck of each beverage container is resistively engaged against a selected and inwardly facing rim portion in order to secure container in fixed and extending fashion relative to the carrier device.
 9. A carrier device for use in supporting, in portable and carryable fashion, a plurality of beverage containers, each of the beverage containers including a body and a narrowed and annular shaped neck proximate an end location of the container, said carrier device comprising: a substantially thin cross sectional, elongated and planar shape body; a first elongated aperture defined through said sheet, proximate an upper end, and defining a carrying handle; and a plurality of inwardly facing and annular shaped rim portions defined through said sheet at further selected and spaced apart locations and definition a second plurality of apertures; wherein the narrowed and annular shaped neck of each beverage container is resistively engaged against a selected and inwardly facing rim portion in order to secure the container in fixed and extending fashion relative to the carrier device. 